Delicious Recipe for Ham and Cheese Pies
When it comes to culinary comfort, few recipes can rival warm pies filled with ham and cheese. These pies are not only a delight but also an expression of culinary tradition that brings people together around the table. Whether you enjoy them at a party with friends or as a quick snack at the office, each bite will bring a smile to your face. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare these wonderful pies, and my practical tips will ensure a perfect result.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 pies
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of flour (preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 2 egg yolks (for a beautiful color and rich taste)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- Warm water (approximately 300-400 ml, depending on the humidity of the flour)
- Grated cheese (approximately 250 g, your choice, but a well-melted cheese will give a delicious taste)
- Smoked ham (approximately 200 g, cut into cubes or strips)
Preparation:
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast cube with the teaspoon of sugar and add a few tablespoons of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the activated yeast and 4-5 tablespoons of flour. Mix gently to obtain a homogeneous paste. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes. After this time, add the remaining flour, salt, and the two egg yolks.
3. Kneading: Start kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water until you obtain a soft but not sticky composition. Add the two tablespoons of oil and continue kneading for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
5. Shaping the pies: Once the dough has risen, grease the work surface with a little oil. Divide the dough into pieces the size of a fist. Take each piece and roll it out gently. Add a generous portion of grated cheese and strips of smoked ham on each disc.
6. Packing: Fold the dough like a turnover, then gently press it with your palm to flatten it. Make sure the filling is well sealed inside.
7. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Place the pies in the pan and fry them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
8. Removing from the pan: Use a paper towel to absorb excess oil after the pies are ready.
9. Serving: The pies can be served hot or cold. For added flavor, you can accompany them with a yogurt sauce or a fresh salad.
Practical tips:
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to improve the rising process.
- Rising: If you want to speed up the rising, you can place the dough in an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fillings, such as feta cheese and spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A medium pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the main ingredients.
Personal stories:
I remember the first time I made these pies with my grandmother. She told me that they were a favorite snack in her childhood, often made after a long day of work in the garden. The aroma of the fried pies filled the whole house, and each bite was a true feast.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Use approximately 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. How can I store the pies? The pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze them after they have completely cooled.
These ham and cheese pies are not only delicious but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor every bite! Bon appétit!
When it comes to culinary comfort, few recipes can rival warm pies filled with ham and cheese. These pies are not only a delight but also an expression of culinary tradition that brings people together around the table. Whether you enjoy them at a party with friends or as a quick snack at the office, each bite will bring a smile to your face. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare these wonderful pies, and my practical tips will ensure a perfect result.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 pies
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of flour (preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 2 egg yolks (for a beautiful color and rich taste)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- Warm water (approximately 300-400 ml, depending on the humidity of the flour)
- Grated cheese (approximately 250 g, your choice, but a well-melted cheese will give a delicious taste)
- Smoked ham (approximately 200 g, cut into cubes or strips)
Preparation:
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast cube with the teaspoon of sugar and add a few tablespoons of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the activated yeast and 4-5 tablespoons of flour. Mix gently to obtain a homogeneous paste. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes. After this time, add the remaining flour, salt, and the two egg yolks.
3. Kneading: Start kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water until you obtain a soft but not sticky composition. Add the two tablespoons of oil and continue kneading for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
5. Shaping the pies: Once the dough has risen, grease the work surface with a little oil. Divide the dough into pieces the size of a fist. Take each piece and roll it out gently. Add a generous portion of grated cheese and strips of smoked ham on each disc.
6. Packing: Fold the dough like a turnover, then gently press it with your palm to flatten it. Make sure the filling is well sealed inside.
7. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Place the pies in the pan and fry them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
8. Removing from the pan: Use a paper towel to absorb excess oil after the pies are ready.
9. Serving: The pies can be served hot or cold. For added flavor, you can accompany them with a yogurt sauce or a fresh salad.
Practical tips:
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to improve the rising process.
- Rising: If you want to speed up the rising, you can place the dough in an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fillings, such as feta cheese and spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A medium pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the main ingredients.
Personal stories:
I remember the first time I made these pies with my grandmother. She told me that they were a favorite snack in her childhood, often made after a long day of work in the garden. The aroma of the fried pies filled the whole house, and each bite was a true feast.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Use approximately 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. How can I store the pies? The pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze them after they have completely cooled.
These ham and cheese pies are not only delicious but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor every bite! Bon appétit!